On Monday, the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee of the Maine Legislature heard testimony on L.D. 1728, “AnAct to Increase the Penalty for Visual Sexual Aggression Against a Child.”

Concerned Women for America (CWA) of Maine testified on the bill in support. You can read our testimony here. The Work Session on the bill is scheduled for Monday, February 5, at 11:00 a.m., in the State House, Room 436.

As the law is now written, men displaying their genitals to 12-year-olds commit a “Class C” crime but if done to a 14-year-old, it is a “Class D” crime. This bill would amend the law to make both of these “Class C” crimes. CWA of Maine believes there should be no distinction because of age, but that any man who would do that to a child should be penalized at least for a “Class C” crime.

There have been a few recommended amendments to the bill that the sponsor, Sen. Eloise Vitelli (D-Sagadahoc), made, including changing all first offenses to “Class D” crimes no matter the age and repeat offenders as “Class C”. CWA of Maine believes that would be a mistake. We should send a message that this deviant behavior towards children must not be tolerated. Our kids deserve our protection, especially in light of all the sexual abuse cases in the news right now.

You can also send a message to the Committee Clerk, Nikolette Alexander, via e-mail [email protected] or give her office a call at 287-1122. Ask to have your message distributed amongst the committee members.

Pray with me: Dear Father, may we be Your ambassadors for our Maine children and seek Your protection, as well as lawful protection, for them, from sexual predators. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.

“If anyone causes one of these little ones–those who believe in me–to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” – Matthew 18:6